Engineering students create low-cost electrical off-road vehicle

“The team aims at innovating efficient approach towards making an electric vehicle. Keeping in mind the United Nations Agenda 2030, many countries have already initiated various strategies towards promoting the use of electrical vehicles,” Dr T Rajasekaran, the project head, SRM Institute of Science and Technology Professor and also the Deputy Head, Department of Mechanical Engineering, told DT Next. 

eBAJA, the team, which was established in 2016, was entrusted with developing the vehicle, he said. According to him, in India, electric vehicles are yet to set a huge market. He said that in most countries, these vehicles are sold at a price at which cars are sold, hence making it unaffordable for common people. 

Many car manufacturers have been trying to make a budget-friendly electric car that Indians would like to buy and this is the team’s focus as well. “We have developed a complete vehicle, which weighs 395 kg. However, the weight will be further reduced to 320 kg at the end of the project, which is expected to be complete in another nine months,” Rajasekaran said. 

He said that the team would make several changes in several areas, including battery and wheel assembly so that required specifications will be arrived at by the end of the project. 

Student head S Surya said the team will compete in BAJA SAE INDIA event, held at Pithampur, Madhya Pradesh very soon, where teams from across the country showcase their engineering and automotive skills.  The event begins with a virtual round which tests whether the approach by the team is feasible and it meets the design specifications of the event. 

Once approved, the team builds the All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) and takes it to the final event where it is inspected and tested thoroughly.  Currently, the focus of the team is to innovate cost-effective ways by which an electric ATV can be implemented. 

“It can be customised as per the need of different sections of the society and most importantly, made cheaper without compromising on the safety,” he said.